A great place to start as a JET interested in volunteer work is the Volunteer Special Interests Group or Vsig for short. Formed in April 2001 to coordinate the good intention, resources and ambition that many JETs have for volunteer work.
Everyone seems to know someone who has traveled to places such as Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, or even locally in Japan as a part of a volunteer program, and maybe you are even one of these people yourself. AJET VSIG is the place for you to share your experiences and expertise, and meet others across Japan who would like to do the same. It is also the place where you can find new, meaningful experiences and programs of which to become a part.
On the other hand, perhaps you are someone who wants to get involved with a volunteer project but can't seem to find the right opportunity. Look no further! VSIG will keep you informed about many types of volunteer opportunities, and help guide you in finding one that suits your needs and interests. Whether you want to share your time in Asia over summer break, or volunteer one Saturday a month at a local daycare, VSIG is the place to turn for information and advice.
More importantly, we will offer advice on how to get your students and community involved, and we will provide global awareness lesson plans for you to share with your classes. That's right - we also want to help you teach your Japanese community about the state of the world and the true concept of Volunteering.
The Aims of VSIG
- VSIG will provide information on volunteer opportunities for you, your school and your community online at their website.
- VSIG will offer advice and lesson plans to help educate your students and community about the need for volunteerism and the many, many opportunities to help out people in need.
- VSIG will spearhead and support a variety of volunteer programs within and around Japan, and encourage JETs to become involved on a local, national, and international level.
Where do you fit in?
- For most of you, VSIG will simply be a resource. Use the website to find the volunteer opportunity you are looking for, download lesson plans for your classes, or read about other JETs' volunteer success stories.
- For people who want to be more involved, become a member of VSIG, contribute your lesson plans, tell us about new and challenging volunteer opportunities, report your successes in our online newsletter, and act as an advisor to the JET community as an experienced volunteer.
- For those really ambitious volunteers, join the VSIG National Council as a project coordinator. Start your own volunteer project within the VSIG community and have a plethora of volunteers at your fingertips!
No matter what role you decide to take, your input and feedback are always appreciated. Take a minute to check out the website or get in touch by email! Thank you so much to everyone who is willing to contribute.
The GO! EN Campaign
This is the main campaign that Vsig coordinates. Imagine if your destiny was to bring good fortune to an underprivileged child in another country! The aim of this appeal is for the students (children) to know and learn about the plight of underprivileged youths overseas. |
|
The 5 yen coin has a special meaning in Japan, it means 'to find your destiny' and 'to bring good fortune' to the recipient. After learning about the situation of those underprivileged children, children collect 5 yen pieces and make '5 yen ropes' in their schools and communities. The money from these ropes will directly help children in need! Last year the campaign raised over ¥900,000. The campaign now runs continuously over the year.
For JETs, one of the greatest challenges we as educators face is presenting material in a way that is both interesting and accessible to our students. This project aims to provide a way to achieve all of these goals.
The main aims of the Go!En Campaign
 |
I. Education : Raising awareness amongst Japanese students about the situation of underprivelidged youths overseas
II. Exchange : Encouraging Japanese students to form friendships with youths in neighbouring Asian countries
III: AID : Collecting donations which will directly benefit young people in target countries. |
How can I get involved?
Implement the GO!En Appeal in YOUR school! All you have to do is start spreading the word. You can take the campaign in any direction you like - even a handful of 5 yen coins can make a difference!
Where do I start?
You start with your students! Teaching young people about this campaign could be an excellent way of bringing global issues alive in the classroom. Keep your eye on the lesson plans being added daily. Encourage your students to write letters and send photos to the children who their 5 yen coins will be helping! FOr more ideas, see Go!En in Action! |
|
Who will our money help?
Your money will go towards?
- Providing a home, basic necessities and training for youths at the existing Wakamono no (Houses for Youths) in Vietnam and Cambodia.
- Creating a new Wakamono no Ie for street children in Manila, the Philippines.
- Providing teaching supplies and student and teacher training scholarships to young people in Papua New Guinea.
Which NPOs are involved with this campaign?
Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi
The main organisation and instigator of this project is Kokkyo naki Kodomotachi operating Wakamono no Ie in Vietnam, Cambodia and, very soon, The Philippines. They have four main aims:
House for Youth, Cambodia |
1. Support initiatives that tend to underprivileged children.
2. Create facilities for the youths who cannot, or will not be, integrated into their families and need moral and financial support during the transition to adulthood.
3. Offer these young people an opportunity to acquire an education or professional skills.
4. Foster friendship and respect between the youth of these countries and Japanese youth. |
The Waria Valley Childrens Project (WVCP)
WVCP was founded in 2001 by a group of participants on the JET Programme who, having returned from a trip to Papua New Guinea, vowed to help the young people they met there. Their mission is simple: to promote education in the Waria Valley through scholarships, supplies, and training.
Contact
Visit the Vsig website for further details about the Go! En Campaign and related projects. You can also contact AJET Vsig directly by email.
VSIG Chairperson
E-Mail:
Vsig Website: www.ajet.net/vsig/ | Go! En Website: www.ajet.net/vsig/goen.htm
|
